Description :

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure and reservation system, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

Reporting to the Director, Safety and Environment, the Specialist Director, Environment, will be dedicated full-time to VIA Rail’s major projects program and will have as their first mandate the Dorval Intermodal Station Project. For this project, the incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Director, Infrastructure Engineering - Major Projects.

The Specialist Director, Environment, will be responsible for developing the strategy and plan, and managing the environmental and social impact assessment of the company’s major projects. They will oversee the execution and monitoring of the plan by coordinating a team of consultants who, in collaboration with engineering and other sectors, will be responsible for developing the project with a view to sustainable development, while ensuring regulatory compliance and obtaining permits for the project.

The first mandate of the Dorval Intermodal Station Project involves the design and construction of an intermodal station with several stakeholders, hence the complexity of the project.

The Specialist Director will conduct the environmental and social impact assessment in close collaboration with the various internal and external teams responsible for the execution of the Dorval project: project management, engineering, legal, communication, procurement and property management.

Responsibilities:

Management of the impact assessment:
• Develop the strategy and detailed project plan for the environmental and social impact assessment, including stages, milestones, deadlines and required resources;
• Draft requests for proposals for the environmental and social impact assessment and select and hire consultants, ensuring that they have the required expertise and that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined;
• Oversee the work of consultants who support the environmental and social impact assessment aspects of the project, evaluate their performance, and resolve potential issues;
• Ensure the completion of the environmental and social impact assessment, monitor environmental and social impacts during the project’s operational phase and ensure ongoing compliance.

Risk management and regulatory compliance (HSE):
• Provide technical and regulatory expertise on projects. Identify potential environmental and social risks to projects and develop mitigation plans. Implement response protocols in the event of environmental incidents;
• Plan, organize, lead, control and evaluate the activities and operations associated with the assessments required to obtain permits. Coordinate the necessary applications for permits and authorizations;
• Work with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and safety regulations and standards in the conduct of assessments and construction. Ensure compliance with internal corporate standards and policies, including those relating to project management, finance, environment, and health and safety.

Collaboration and communication with stakeholders:
• Develop strategy to optimize stakeholder assessments and coordinate technical exchanges with railways, within confidentiality constraints;
• Work collaboratively with design and operations teams and liaise with clients, subcontractors, approval authorities, project stakeholders and contractors;
• Organize, participate and document consultations and communications with stakeholders, including the public, government agencies, and local stakeholders.

Note: Specific to the Dorval Intermodal Station Project, this component is one of the most important aspects of the project due to its complexity, including a significant number of stakeholders. While the entire project is VIA Rail’s initiative, the work associated with this sector will be divided into three sectors, the control of which will, in principle, be independent of each other (real estate work and rail work).

Project management:
• Develop the schedule and budgets for the environmental and social impact assessment based on the project’s complete life cycle, from the design phase to the tender and construction stages. Identify if grants are available to reduce project costs;
• Ensure that the project is carried out according to the schedule, budget and the environmental standards identified. Regularly report on project status to internal and external stakeholders;
• Identify the risks related to the environmental and social impact assessment and ensure, in collaboration with our suppliers, the implementation and follow-up of mitigation measures;
• Coordinate the drafting of environmental and social impact assessment reports in accordance with legal requirements. Ensure complete and organized documentation of all assessment activities including reports, permits, communications and plans. Oversee data collection and analysis.

Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or a related field;
• Be a member in good standing of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec;
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in environmental science or any other relevant field;
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in project leadership (asset);
• Good knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to the environmental and social impact assessment;
• Customer-oriented;
• Communication skills;
• Demonstrate inspiring leadership;
• Excellent ability to manage priorities and analytical capacity;
• Understanding of the rail environment is an asset.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

Why choose VIA Rail?
• Competitive salary and a generous compensation and benefits package;
• Flexible options for hybrid remote work;
• A close knit team of happy co workers;
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement;
• An environment that supports employee health and well being;
• A wide range of health and wellness benefits for employees and their families, including unlimited telemedicine service;
• To contribute to a sustainable transportation service connecting Canadian communities;
• First as an employer of choice and as the most trusted carrier among transportation companies in the 2022 Canadian Reputation study published by Leger.
• Learn more about VIA Rail: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/company

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!